School bus driver's livelihood in jeopardy after DUI charges

On behalf of Law Office of Rob McKinney posted in Drunk Driving Charges on Wednesday, September 14, 2016.

When a Tennessee resident is arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, it is more than his or her freedom that is at stake. Many people's employment requires them to drive. Facing DUI charges is sometimes enough to put that person's livelihood in jeopardy.

For example, a man who drives school buses for four of a Tennessee county's 23 routes was recently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and having an open alcohol container in his vehicle. The school board of the county in which he works suspended him pending an investigation into the charges. Not only does the man contract with the school system, but he and his wife own the company with which the contract was made.

The 72-year-old man has worked for the Benton County schools for nearly 30 years. If he does not receive pay while he is suspended, it could devastate his business. This could happen even though he has not been convicted of a crime. Furthermore, he was not driving a school bus when the alleged incident occurred.

As happens to many people, the potential penalties this man faces in connection with the DUI charges are just the tip of the iceberg of how the allegations could affect his life. Just as anyone else under these circumstances should do, this man needs to engage criminal defense counsel as soon as possible to ensure that his rights were protected throughout his contact with police. Upon review of the traffic stop, any field sobriety or breath testing and other measures taken by authorities, any available options will more than likely be explored to help ensure the best outcome possible is achieved.

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